I wanted to work at [ _____ magazine] since college and when I got that chance in 2007, I felt like I was finally on track to making my dreams come to fruition. Getting there was arduous. I didn’t have the easy path a lot of my peers had fresh out of college. Employment didn’t come easy (don’t you just hate people who get jobs right away), which forced me into a freelance life. Freelancing was a lot easier then because companies were willing to pay more for hard and quality work.

While piecing hustles together, I held on to hope that I’d get to [____ magazine] as a staffer. My moment came when I was originally going to be hired as their web editor but that fell through and I thought life and any chance at my dream career was over (I have a bad habit of thinking the worst of situations). Months after that, I began working on my dream deferred plan, which involved me teaching dance to 3rd graders and considering teaching academics full time. One day on my lunch break, I got a phone call that changed my life. Another position at the magazine opened and I was the first choice. At that point in my career, it was a step down to an entry level position (not a major step but I had two years experience in the freelance world in TV production and print, by then) but sometimes you have to make sacrifices when you’re working toward your dreams so I took the job.

A little over a year later–after I began carving my path at the company by obtaining more job responsibilities and a title change–I got laid off.

Companies always tell you it isn’t personal, but it’s easy to say that when they’re not the ones who will have to scramble for employment elsewhere. Today marks one year since getting the axe.

I was blessed enough to pick up freelance gigs along the way but I also experienced more of the unprofessionalism, selfishness and lack of respect for human well being that a lot of businesses have (and these are businesses that you think would have it together) for their employees–especially for those who aren’t official staff. Yet some how I’m still afloat. I’m not homeless thank God, but I miss my economic freedom. Despite my dope resume (I can back it up!), I can’t even get an interview (job searching is as fun as getting a root canal with no novocain). I know that my field has been hit hard (And why did I decide to be a journalist again? Ugh), but clicking reply–either “yay” or “nay”– about my application status isn’t hard. But I digress. I won’t complain because I know a lot of folks who have jobs who are either modern day slaves or work for asinine bosses (or both). I’d rather be broke and sane.

It’s hard to keep the faith but something keeps me moving so I haven’t taken off my gloves yet (but I get close…a lot). My point is, I’ve grown. If I could do it over again I would because I’m happy with what I’ve learned. Self-worth. How to fight smart. I am talented. I’ve become more fearless and assertive.

A disturbing amount of people belive, “You should just be happy to have a job,” but that’s what you’re told by yes-men who are afraid of change, and/or tyrant bosses who want to keep you in line. If you’re not happy about your job, it’s OK to not like it and be vocal about it. If you know you’re talented and value your work, then you will get picked up and treated right elsewhere but you can’t progress if you’re afraid, impatient and lack faith. (I need to take my own advice when it comes to patience and faith). You deserve to be happy and prosper so why work somewhere that brings down your spirit and makes you miserable? You’ll pay for it with your health and subsequently your life.

I put things into perspective after my lay off because I realized that not only was working for the magazine not what I thought it would be but I wasn’t being treated right, and I was definitely overworked and underpaid. (I was looking for other opportunities anyway).

I ended up at another company, shortly afterward, that wasn’t run well. They also didn’t treat me right but it was more blatant (that was the culture of that place). Thoughts of sticking around because of the “recession” lingered but one day I had a moment where I broke on a co-worker in a meeting (followed by an incident where I was left stranded out of state, but I digress) and I realized that I should leave. I conquered my fear and quit after three months because that place stressed me out (I was miserable all the time and took it out on loved ones) and made me act out of character. If I ever work somewhere where I’m not happy again, then that’s what I’ll do, even if it means I quit after a week and have to tap dance in the subway for money. I wasn’t meant to be mistreated and disrespected. And that’s the biggest lesson I learned in 2009.

In other news…I’m still looking so if you know anyone who respects a talented, versatile, smart and accomplished writer, then you know what to do. But in the meantime, I guess I need to practice patience. At least I’ve defeated fear…

Starrene Rhett Rocque is a recovering journalist who often fantasizes about becoming a shotgun-toting B-movie heroine.

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http://twitter.com/afropixie afropixie

well said starr! im coming up on my year mark too and i share alot of your sentiment. keep your head up girlie, digital is turning and its turning first. soon come soon come.

http://myradioisamillionaire.com Malcolm Maximillion

Your a great writer. Soon a company (or two) will realize that and give you what you deserve. Watch.

I agree with what you said about the whole “at least you have a job” statement. My supervisor told me that the other day (I was complaining about the recent random firings of my fellow employees) and I told him fuck the job, I rather be happy. The key to staying at a job is being happy with what you do everyday. I just hope some of my peers and my supervisor realize that.

http://www.GlennishaTheWriter.com Glennisha Morgan

Amen!

http://www.purehip-hop.blogspot.com BIG D O

Maaaan, I have a lot in common with you concerning what happened with a “dream” job and career path…lol, hopefully in the long run that’ll prove to be a positive thing….I know one thing, this whole process is making a serious man outta me, lol..

I’ve been reading your blog here and there for the past year and I think your a great writer and an even better person…I hope you know this (i’m sure you do) and find the strength to keep on chasing those dreams of working in print…We need more writers like you within the urban landscape…

When the country bounces back from this horrible ass recession it’s only right that someone out there that makes decisions picks you up and gives you a decent gig…I’m confident it’ll be before that though…Keep going, your dope at what you do!

best of luck,

-BIG D O

Ginnette Powell @caffeinehusky

I believe the same thing don’t stay at a job that makes you miserable!

http://www.styleandvibes.com MissMikelah

I think a lot of writers feel the same way, hence so many great blogs with real content and not the same generic ish you find in print. Web allows you to be your own editor, have your own voice and really make an impact. Trust me all the mag editors are trolling the sites looking for new stories (ALL OF THEM!)

http://www.theloudestpenever.com LoudPen

Starr, please keep your head up b/c you definitely have talent as a writer. If I weren’t such a struggling writer myself, I’d give you a job. Also, I agree with MissMikelah Web does allow you to be your own editor and really have your own voice and do your own thing. So maybe you need a sponsor for your blog or have companies pay to advertise on your blog so you can still control your content.

Thats fine Starr. You may Not have a job, but you sure have us loyal people here, who have been here since ___ Magazine. Lol. Continue the struggle because you’ve been my insptiration, even before i was let go from ____ magazine (A totally different one).

Louie “Plot” Sosa

God Bless you in your endeavors Starr

http://www.trendybuzz.blogspot.com Ezinne Ukoha

Hi there!!!

I met you a year ago at at the H magazine office in Soho. I LOVE your site. WELL DONE.

I’m super late but come out tonight if you can, I’ll be moderating a talk back following the play. See below for info: New York, NY- Homage 3:Â IllmaticÂ tells the coming-to-being story of an artist who must evolve or disappear. A tribute to the rapper NaSâ€™Â ILLMATIC, Homage 3:Â IllmaticÂ comes out the spirit of the classic album and […]

I told myself that I would write every day, even when I didn’t want to…even if it was a sentence. It’s rainy and retrogradey and sucky outside. But such is life. Despite the gray, be inspired and still choose a happy day. *Taking my own advice*

Starrene Rhett Rocque is a New York City-based entertainment and lifestyle journalist and author who enjoys telling the stories of people who are hiding in plain sight. Her award-winning website, GangStarrGirl.com, focuses on women in hip-hop, pop-culture, beauty, travel and other lifestyle interests like pole dancing. Most people discover that upon reading her quirky musings […]
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